Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of middle-class women of Mexican descent as they navigate the following three environments: neighborhood, school, and workplace. Current literature on middle-class racial/ethnic minority groups primarily focuses on the black middle class and the Mexican American middle class; however, little research is done to account for the intersectional and multiple identities that pertain to middle-class women of color. Multiracial feminism and Anzaldúa’s (1987) conceptualization of borderlands and doing “borderwork” inform the findings of this study. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who self-identified as middle class, being born and raised in the U.S., being of Mexican descent, and having at least a Bachelor’s degree. The data show that the participants’ class status does not act as a protective force in all aspects of their lives, as many experienced racial/ethnic, gender, and class conflicts. Additionally, the data show that the participants’ middle class status does not act as a protective force in certain environments; yet, their class identity takes precedence over their racial/ethnic identity. As a result, Mexican American women must negotiate their identities and ensuing “borderwork” of multiple terrains. Findings of this research demonstrate the need for girls of color empowerment, Chicano/a studies in public education, and a strengthening of unions and Affirmative Action legislation.